In 2005-06, we exceeded our targets while staying within budget, stretching Government money to help even more people to find an affordable home.

In particular, the report highlights how we have:

• provided 36,386 homes – 6% up on target;
• announced our largest-ever single programme of investment – providing £3.9 billion towards new schemes in 2006-08, and delivering 33% more homes for just 15% more resource;
• made it a requirement that all new funded homes will meet the EcoHomes ‘Very Good’ standard – helping to save nearly 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year;
• addressed housing shortages in the countryside by providing more than 900 home in rural areas, over 8% up on target;
• worked with partners to ensure that older homes are up to scratch – during 2005-06 the number of housing association homes brought up to the decent homes standard increased by 35,280, nearly 18% more than expected;
• provided 7,400 key worker homes – 29% up on target; and
• succeeded in ensuring that 41% of homes were constructed using modern methods, against a target of 25%.

Note from the National Audit Office
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